Pritchett, CO Hail Storm – July 2026

A strong hail-producing storm moved through Pritchett, Colorado on July 2, 2026, producing 2.59-inch stones and a multi-hour sequence of radar-detected hail cores.

What Happened

Ten NWS alerts covered the storm from 2:07 PM MDT through 7:14 PM MDT. The first alert at 2:07 PM MDT identified roughly 1.06-inch hail on dual-polarization radar. Periods of NWS-warning-only guidance occurred at about 3:20 PM MDT, 4:12 PM MDT, 6:19 PM MDT, and 6:58 PM MDT. Dual-polarization radar subsequently detected expanding hail cores in the late afternoon and early evening, including pronounced returns at 3:56 PM MDT, 4:56 PM MDT, 5:39 PM MDT, 6:27 PM MDT, and 7:14 PM MDT.

The strongest radar echoes passed through the Pritchett area in a window from late afternoon into early evening. Two spotter-verified social media submissions at 7:33 PM MDT reported quarter-size hail in Pritchett. Those surface observations coincided with the final alert cycle and with weakening radar returns after 7:14 PM MDT.

Damage Assessment

Surface impact in Pritchett was limited in the official record to two spotter-verified reports of quarter-size hail at 7:33 PM MDT. No Local Storm Reports logged structural or widespread vehicle damage associated with this storm in the Pritchett town area. Radar-derived hail cores, however, passed within the immediate vicinity of town during the late afternoon and early evening alert cycles, indicating a mix of smaller stones in town and larger hail closer to the storm cores.

Given the spotter observations, expect localized cosmetic damage where vehicles and exposed equipment were left outdoors during the event. Check vehicle body panels, windshields, and exposed glass around 7:30 PM MDT locations in town. Inspect exterior soft metals, irrigation heads, and exposed landscaping features along the road corridors used most during the late-afternoon hours. If crews find impact marks, document them with time-stamped photos and include a location reference tied to the 7:33 PM MDT spotter observations.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections on properties that had outdoor equipment or vehicles present between about 5:00 PM MDT and 8:00 PM MDT on July 2. The storm’s strongest radar returns were concentrated in the 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM window. Start with parked vehicles and glass surfaces reported near the 7:33 PM MDT spotter locations, then expand to roofing edges, skylights, and roof-mounted equipment for homes and small commercial buildings in the immediate Pritchett area.

When documenting damage, use a consistent checklist tied to time and place. Photograph overall site context, close-ups of impact points, and include a photo of a ruler or common object for scale when measuring hail dents or punctures. Note that local observations recorded quarter-size hail; measure recovered stones when available and record the collector location relative to Pritchett town center. For potential solar arrays and metal roofing, focus on microfractures and edge flashing attachment points. Temporary tarps are appropriate only where through-penetrations or active leaks are present.